Timbers sign Paul Conway to one-year deal

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers have signed forward Paul Conway to a one-year contract, it was announced today.

Conway won the USL First Division’s MVP award in 2001 after tallying 22 goals with the Charleston Battery, where he played from 1998-2004.

“I’m obviously very excited to play for Bobby (Howe) and my dad in my hometown where I grew up.” Conway said. “It’s a move that I would have regretted if I didn’t sign, and it’s intriguing that the Timbers have a real chance to do well this season. I would love nothing more than to win a championship in Portland.”

Conway, 35, reunites with his father, Timbers assistant coach Jimmy Conway, who played for the Timbers himself at midfield from 1978-80.

“I haven’t had a lot of chances to see him play on the professional level, so this is a nice opportunity for his family to watch his games,” the elder Conway said. “He’s done very well offensively in Charleston, and there’s no reason why he can’t continue that here in Portland.”

With the Battery, Conway amassed a career total of 185 points (78g, 29a) over 165 matches. His point tally with the Battery remains the highest in franchise history.

One of his 78 career goals with the Battery came at the expense of the Timbers, when Conway struck for the lone Charleston goal in the Timbers’ 2-1 victory at Blackbaud Stadium in 2004.

An All American in 1989 at Hartwick (NY) College, Conway began his professional career in England with Carlisle United in 1993. He played 107 games for Carlisle, scoring 30 goals before moving to Northampton Town in 1997.

A Portland native, Conway played prep soccer at Jesuit High School in Portland and at the club level with FC Portland.